Man admits involvement in Ely riots which followed deaths of two teenagers in e-bike crash
Lee-Martin McQuade, 29, has admitted his part in the riots in the Cardiff suburb which followed the deaths of teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans
A car on fire during the Ely riots
(Image: Matthew Horwood )
A man has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the Ely riots which broke out after the death of two teenagers who were riding a e-bike which crashed. The boys' deaths sparked hours of violence and vandalism with around 150 people attending a riot.
Lee-Martin McQuade, 29, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, June 4, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of rioting. He had initially pleaded not guilty.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and 15-year-old Harvey Evans were killed on May 22, 2023, after their Sur-Ron e-bike crashed in the Cardiff suburb. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
Footage later emerged of a police van following the two teenagers moments before the crash.
A total of 42 people have been charged in connection with their involvement in the riots and have appeared in various courts.
The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, adjourned the sentencing of McQuade until December 22.
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Previously, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the driver of the police van had been told they were being criminally investigated for dangerous driving after being served with a gross misconduct notice.
Another officer, a passenger in the police van, was also previously served with a gross misconduct notice.
In April, the Crown Prosecution Service said it would not bring criminal charges against the South Wales Police officer.
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service special crime division, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the two teenagers following their tragic deaths in May, 2023.
'Following a thorough and detailed review of the evidence in relation to a single allegation of dangerous driving in this case, we have decided that no criminal charges will be brought against a South Wales Police officer.
'We have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
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'We fully understand that this will be disappointing news for the families of both boys and will offer a meeting with them to explain our reasoning further.'
The decision is subject to the Victim's Right of Review scheme which allows a victim or their families the ability to challenge the decision.
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